Polypropylene vs PLA
Compare Polypropylene and PLA filaments side-by-side. See which one is best for your 3D printing project.
Polypropylene
FPP
Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density
PLA
APolylactic Acid
Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
Detailed Comparison
Property
Polypropylene
PLA
Tier Rating
Tier F
Tier A
Family
PP
PLA
Nozzle Temp
220-250°C
185-235°C
Bed Temp
80-100°C
50-60°C
Enclosure
recommended
not needed
Cooling
Low cooling
High part cooling usually beneficial
Moisture Sensitivity
low
moderate
Strengths Comparison
Polypropylene Strengths
- Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density
- Excellent chemical resistance
- Good fatigue resistance (living hinges)
PLA Strengths
- Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal
- Stiff non-composite thermoplastic, good tensile strength
Considerations
Polypropylene Caveats
- Extremely poor bed adhesion; severe curling/warping (worse when cooling)
- Supports nearly impossible to remove due to toughness/perfect layer adhesion
- Often requires specialized build surface and setup
PLA Caveats
- Creeps under sustained load
- Poor heat resistance, UV degradation, can shatter on drops
- Not great for sanding/gluing/painting/touch-ups
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Polypropylene or PLA better for 3D printing?
PLA is generally rated higher (Tier A) compared to Polypropylene (Tier F). However, the best choice depends on your specific needs: Polypropylene is best for Can bend without damage; very rugged; strong layer adhesion; very low density, while PLA is best for Easiest to print, cheap, widely available, fast, good bridges/overhangs, easy support removal.
What are the temperature differences between Polypropylene and PLA?
Polypropylene prints at 220-250°C nozzle / 80-100°C bed. PLA prints at 185-235°C nozzle / 50-60°C bed.
Do Polypropylene and PLA need an enclosure?
Polypropylene: recommended. PLA: not needed.
Which is more beginner-friendly: Polypropylene or PLA?
PLA is more beginner-friendly as it doesn't require an enclosure.